Wray jewelry appraisals

Insurance Appraisal

Resale Appraisal

Estate Appraisal

Divorce Appraisal

Charitable Donation Appraisal

Fair Market Value Appraisal

FAQ

Wray jewelry appraisals

Serving Colorado's Front Range Communities and Southern Wyoming:

Fort Collins

Loveland

Windsor

Estes Park

Greeley

Longmont

Cheyenne

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Wray Jewelry appraisals

Northern Colorado’s gemologist and appraiser with the most up-to-date training.

Melinda Wray

FGA, GIA GG, RGA, CM (NAJA)

About the Gemologist Appraiser

wray jewelry appraisals

Appointments typically available in 2-3 days and appraisals can be completed while you wait.

Schedule an Appointment

Wray jewelry appraisals

Gemstone Identification, Authentication, and Evaluation with standard gemological instruments and UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy.

About Gemstone Consultation

wray jewelry appraisals

Jewelry Appraisal, Gem Consultation, and Expert Witness Services

Located in Fort Collins, Colorado

Fees

About Jewelry Appraisals

engagement ring for insurance appraisal or court case at Wray Jewelry Appraisal in Colorado.

Jewelry Appraisals

A jewelry appraisal is an essential document for anyone who owns valuable jewelry. It is NOT an offer to buy jewelry or a verbal guess of the value. An appraisal provides a detailed description, an assessment of the quality and condition, and the value of the jewelry. This document is necessary for obtaining insurance, estate planning, divorce settlement, donating or selling jewelry.

Wray Jewelry Appraisals can perform all types of appraisals based on your particular need, usually with a quick turn around time and while you watch.

Your jewelry never has to be out of your sight.

Digital and hard copies provided for your convenience.

Text, call, or email now to discuss your appraisal.

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resale appraisal at Wray Jewelry Appraisals in Fort Collins, CO

Independent Appraisers

Independent appraisers ensure an unbiased evaluation of your jewelry by having no financial interest in the outcome of the appraisal. An ethical appraiser will not make an offer to buy your jewelry or base their fee on the value of the jewelry.

As an independent appraisal office, Wray Jewelry Appraisals can schedule with you directly and complete your appraisal while you wait. There is no need to wait for an extended period of time for an appointment or to have a completed appraisal.

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inherited jewelry for estate valuation or legal dispute at Wray Jewelry Appraisals in Colorado

Appraisal Updates

Did you know gold and diamond prices fluctuate over time like the stock market?

Because of that, the value of your jewelry can change and an outdated appraisal may not accurately reflect the current market value of your jewelry, which could lead to inadequate insurance coverage in the event of a loss.

Up-to-date appraisal documents are also important for estate planning to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of family heirlooms.

At Wray Jewelry Appraisals, digital and hard copies are provided to make it easy to update your insurance policy.

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About Gemstone Consultation

GIA gemologist and expert witness examining diamond in Colorado

A gemstone consultant provides guidance on the selection, evaluation and acquisition of gemstones based on gemological knowledge and training. As an expert gemologist, a consultant can offer advice on the quality and authenticity of gemstones.

Wray Jewelry Appraisals uses standard and advanced gemological techniques and instruments such as a UV-VIS-NIR spectroscope to make identifications and recommendations before, during, and after you purchase a diamond, pearls, or a colored gemstone.

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About The Gemologist Appraiser

Melinda Wray, FGA, GG, RGA, Certified Member NAJA

Melinda is an experienced gemologist appraiser with the unusual distinction of being both a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA) and a GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG). It is relatively rare to find a gemologist who holds both of these distinguished diplomas in addition to having specific training as a jewelry appraiser. She maintains the most up-to-date education of any appraiser or gemologist in the Northern Colorado Front Range area and continues to pursue the highest level of appraisal and gemological knowledge through continuing education and training.

EDUCATION:

Fellow, Gemmological Association of Great Britain, 2022
Graduate Gemologist with Pearl Diploma, Gemological Institute of America, 2019
Registered Gemologist Appraiser, International School of Gemology, 2019
Pearl Specialist, Cultured Pearl Association of America, 2021
Expert Witness and Litigation Training, International School of Gemology
Jewelry Forensics, GIA, 2019
History of Jewelry Design, Christie's
Current Certified Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA)
Gem-a Conference, London, England, 2018, 2022, 2023
NAJA Conference, Tucson, AZ, January 2024

Gemologist appraiser examining a gemstone in Fort Collins, Colorado.

What Others Have to Say:

"My store carried a higher end inventory and it was always so beneficial to get Melinda"s second opinion on high end jewelry purchases that I was making. Where I have 50 years of experience, it was nice to also have her help in making educated decisions during my diamond buying appointments. She is impeccably honest, reliable, knowledgeable, and dependable. I will continue to use Melinda's services whenever I need an honest, concise opinion."

-Susan Harrison, President/Owner

Jewelry Emporium

Fort Collins, CO

"Melinda is extremely knowledgeable and dedicated. If there's something she doesn't know, she spends careful time collecting necessary research to give an accurate assessment. On top of all this, she's incredibly friendly and easy to work with -- would highly recommend her to anybody!"

-Andrew, appraisal client

Greeley. CO

"Melinda is our trusted expert for help with all things sparkly! Whether you need an appraisal for insurance purposes or help in making a sound purchase decision, she will give you an accurate, swift assessment perfect for your needs."

-Dru and Kim, appraisal and gemstone clients

Idaho Springs, CO

”Melinda was thorough in sorting my father’s estate. Her knowledge allows me to pass on details to family members as to the value of certain pieces.”

-anonymous

Fort Collins, CO

”Melinda was kind, very approachable, and professional. I highly recommend her!”

-Marcie, appraisal customer

Fort Collins, CO

"Great experience and explanation of jewelry appraisal."

-Corey, appraisal customer

Wellington, CO

"Highly knowledgable and very professional. Would highly recommend Melinda Wray at Wray Jewelry Appraisals!"

-Margo, appraisal customer

Loveland, CO

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at wrayappraisals@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Can I stay and watch while you work?

Absolutely! Your jewelry never has to leave your sight.

Allow approximately one hour per piece of jewelry. You might want to bring a book to read or something else to do. Or consider dropping off your pieces, running an errand and coming back in about an hour.

I just want to know what it’s worth.

That depends on what you intend to do with the jewelry. The price someone will pay you to buy it is different than the amount an insurance company will pay you to replace it if you experience a loss.

Can you appraise my jewelry over the phone or by a photo?

No. There are many factors which can affect the value and those can only be determined with an in-person inspection. A trained and ethical appraiser will not do over the phone valuations.

Can you just give me a ball park value?

No. If the appraiser guesses too low or too high, there is no benefit for you and it puts the appraiser's reputation at risk.

Will you buy my jewelry?

No. It is unethical for a jewelry appraiser to make an offer to buy your jewelry.

Is it ok if the jewelry store owner or an employee writes my appraisal?

A store owner or employee probably does not have the specific appraisal training or gemology credentials to write an appraisal that would meet the standards required by an insurance company for an appraisal document. Plus, the store owner or employee may have a conflict of interest and assign a biased value.

Do I need to have my appraisals updated?

Yes. Most insurance companies require jewelry appraisals to be updated every three to five years or if there is a change to your policy. The prices of precious metals and gemstones can fluctuate up or down which will affect the value of your jewelry. Plus, now you can receive digital copies of your appraisal to make it easy to update your insurance.

How do I know you won't switch my diamond?

1. People who switch diamonds either go to jail or retire early.

2. I am not willing to risk my reputation or career for your diamond.

3. If this is a concern for you, you are welcome to stay and watch while I work, even if it is a multi-item appraisal that takes all day.

What kind of appraisal do I need?

That depends on why you need a value:

Insurance appraisals provide an accurate description and a replacement value so your insurance company can provide an appropriate amount of coverage to replace your item in the event of a loss.
Resale appraisals help you to determine an asking price when you want to sell your jewelry.
Fair market value appraisals are used for estate planning, charitable donations, divorce settlement, and other similar situations. It determines the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in a transaction where neither is forced or coerced to buy or sell.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Besides the jewelry, bring all related documents - receipts, past appraisals, diamond reports, etc. Also, anything that indicates the age of the piece - letters, notes, receipts, etc. You might also want to bring a book to read or something to do while you wait.

What do I receive from the appraisal appointment?

You will receive paper and digital copies of your appraisal that meet the standards of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. This will include, among other things, a detailed description of your jewelry with specific gemstone grading information and multiple photos of your item In addition to the value specific to the purpose of the appraisal.

Fees

Appraisals

Price per piece unless otherwise noted. Free in-person consultation. Paper and digital copies available. *Additional fees may be applied for missed scheduled appointments.*

First Item of Jewelry

$130.00

Allow one hour for the appointment.

Additional items appraised at the same time as the first one

$95.00 per piece up to five pieces

Allow one hour per piece.

Items 6-15 appraised at the same time

$80.00 per piece after the first five

More than 15 items appraised at the same time

$150/hr

Estate Sorting

$150/hr

Determining what is real, what is costume, and what is worth a formal appraisal.

Updates on appraisals by Wray Jewelry Appraisals within 5 years

$75.00 per piece

Gemstone Consultation

Gem Identification

$50.00 for one stone

$35.00 per stone for each additional stone identified at the same time. No documents are produced. Estimates available for large collections.

Gemstone Appraisal

$125.00 for one stone

$85 per additional stone appraised at the same time. Gem collections charged at $150.00 an hour. You will receive a written document and digital copy for each stone. Estimates available.

Pre-Purchase Consultation

$125/hr

One hour minimum

Examination of a gem under consideration for purchase to verify identity and value.

Purchase Verification

$125/hr

One hour minimum

Examination to verify the identity, characteristics, and value of a recently purchased gemstone.

Diamond Grading and Plotting

$125.00

Contact Us

Appointments typically available in one to two business days.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Call or text (970)215-5971 Please bring all documents related to your jewelry such as receipts, diamond reports, past appraisals, etc., to your appointment. *To keep the schedule running smoothly, please arrive on time or call to reschedule.

Hours

Mon	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Tue	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Wed	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Thu	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Fri	09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sat	Closed
Sun	Closed

Saturday appointments may be available upon request.

*Additional fees may be applied for missed scheduled appointments.

Wray jewelry appraisals

Wray jewelry appraisals

Wray Jewelry appraisals

wray jewelry appraisals

Wray jewelry appraisals

wray jewelry appraisals

Jewelry Appraisal and Gemology Located in Fort Collins, CO